Charity Objectives | Unveiling Our New Adopt a Grandparent Ambassador

What are our charity objectives here at Adopt a Grandparent?

Our mission is to combat loneliness among older adults in care, and raise awareness and funds for the cause to help bolster the community we’re creating. 

As part of this mission, we’re excited to introduce the latest addition to our team, propelling us towards our goal of raising £100,000 in 2023.

Read on to find out more:

Charity Objectives: Introducing Our New Ambassador

Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, our charity emerged as a catalyst for cultivating intergenerational connections among those in care, particularly during lockdown. 

As we now embark on our third year, we’re delighted to welcome Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, as our new ambassador.

This appointment marks a pivotal step in amplifying awareness and our fundraising efforts. Our aim is to resonate with new audiences and inspire greater support for our cause.

Professor Martin Green OBE said, “I’m truly passionate about our care sector – both about the essential work carried out and also about the amazing people receiving care.

“Becoming an Ambassador for Adopt a Grandparent is an opportunity to support the sector in a whole new way, and tackle a major issue for those in care. I’m very proud to help the team continue their great work.”

Working Alongside Our Trustees

The ambassadorial role bolsters our charity objectives, working in harmony with our existing Board of Trustees. The board includes:

• Shaleeza Hasham, Founder and CEO of Adopt a Grandparent

• David Barrett, Founder and CEO of Pic PR

• Sarah Skuse, Partner at Bevan Brittan LLP

• Paul Birley, former Head of Barclays Healthcare

Charity Objectives: Raising £100,000

Elevating not only our governance and outreach but also our fundraising endeavours, we launched a significant campaign at the beginning of the year, successfully raising an incredible £62,000 — setting us in good stead for achieving our £100,000 goal in 2023.

These funds have been instrumental in developing innovative ways to support both our dedicated volunteers and cherished 'grandparents'. One of the most notable developments is our cutting-edge app, providing a secure platform for these meaningful connections to flourish.

Robin Smith, one of our 'grandparents', said: “Tiffany, my ‘grandchild’, tells me all about the technology in Japan where she lives. I can’t see very well so she will describe the view of the city for me and has shown me over our video calls too. 

“Tiffany is so nice and she really listens to me. Our calls make me feel less lonely and really brighten up my day.”

Our Sponsors

Our endeavours have drawn high-profile corporate sponsorship, again promoting our charity objectives and securing our future as an important and necessary organisation.

Esteemed businesses, such as Irwin Mitchell, Colliers, Fulcrum, Tivon, and CHD Living, have joined, helping to magnify our impact. 

Other names lending their support to Adopt a Grandparent include The Co-operative, listing us as one of its 'Charities of the Year', and Barclays, with its Digital Eagles championing our digital skills training. 

Shaleeza Hasham, Founder and CEO here at Adopt a Grandparent, said: “It has been an incredible journey for Adopt a Grandparent, from its beginnings as a support initiative to becoming a fully-fledged charity. 

“We have touched so many lives and, in turn, been touched by the stories and friendships of our volunteers but there is so much more work to be done, so much more we can do. 

“Our new ambassadors, alongside my fellow trustees and our amazing corporate sponsors, all make up a huge part of how we continue to grow and help more people. 

“With 40 care homes across the UK having signed up with their residents volunteering for ‘adoption’, including the lovely Anchor Hanover SE homes, we still need more to pair with the unbelievable number of young volunteers we have. 

“There are currently more than 90,000 people signed up to adopt their own grandparents, and we’re excited to continue our work with them.”

To join our efforts and help us reach our charity objectives, why not become a sponsor? 

Alternatively, take a look at our previous blog to discover the relationship between Marion and Michelle.